Festival de Cannes 2010

Every year many of Hollywood’s greatest stars descend on the south of France to the town of Cannes for the Festival International du Film, one of the most glamorous film events of the year, to walk the red carpet for premieres of the up and coming movies from the leading studios in Tinseltown and to experience a large selection of films showing off the best in world cinema. The festival’s history stretches back to 1939 when the first even was due to take place in September of that year, unfortunately events throughout the world at the time led to a delay until 1946 when the festival finally relaunched as the Festival de Cannes. From the first event in 1946 the festival has been held annually, apart from in 1948 and 1950, in the relatively small town on the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera).

Traditionally a prize is given to the film that is voted the best of the festival by a panel of judges, this is the coveted Palme D’Or prize that film directors over the world strive to achieve, with former winners including such films as Pulp Fiction, Apocalypse Now, The Pianist and Taxi Driver. The panel usually has a nominated president, who is generally one of their peers from the world of cinema and this year is no exception with the renowned director, Tim Burton, being named as president. Burton is famed for his films breaking normal conventions and for having such a distinct style that his work is instantly recognisable on screen. His first feature film, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, was large success in the United States however it wasn’t until he released Beetlejuice, Batman and Edward Scissorhands.

Director Tim Burton: This year's President of the judging panel

With Edward Scissorhands, Burton found a creative muse from an unlikely source, Johnny Depp. A young and upcoming actor who had previously appeared in 21 Jump St and had built up a reputation as a heartthrob, Depp was keen to break free from the public’s perception of him. Since the release of Edward Scissorhands, Burton and Depp have worked together on many projects and are set to return as a team in the director’s adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, which is released in the States in March and should be shown at the festival.

The Festival this year will begin on the 12th of May and ends on the 23rd and for many people it gives them a chance to rub shoulders with the Hollywood elite and see movies from directors and cultures they may be unfamiliar with. If you are planning on going this year, then book your car hire with Sixt Nice Airport and enjoy a leisurely drive down the Côte d’Azur.